DAY 12 | Acts 8: 1-25
Imagine a river that was once thought impassable, a barrier dividing two lands. But then a bridge is built, and what was once a division becomes a connection. In Acts 8:1-25, the Gospel becomes that bridge, reaching the Samaritans and mending centuries-old rifts.
The persecution that erupted after Stephen's martyrdom scattered believers, but it also paved the way for the spread of the Gospel. Philip, venturing into Samaria, preached Christ to them. The Samaritans, a group historically despised by the Jews, were experiencing the unifying power of Jesus' message. Miracles manifested, unclean spirits fled, and joy flooded the city.
Yet, the story also presents a cautionary note. Simon the magician, witnessing the power accompanying the apostles, sought to buy it, mistaking God's gifts as commodities for purchase. Peter's rebuke was swift, reminding us that the Gospel's bridge cannot be bought or controlled; it's a gift of grace.
This passage offers us two profound insights. Firstly, the Gospel knows no boundaries. No rift is too vast, no division too deep that the love of Christ cannot bridge it. Secondly, the gifts of the Spirit aren't to be commodified but received with humility and gratitude.
Today, as we share the Gospel, let's remember its bridging power. And in our walk with God, may we approach His gifts with a pure heart, recognizing that they are tokens of His grace, freely given, and not for sale.
Imagine a river that was once thought impassable, a barrier dividing two lands. But then a bridge is built, and what was once a division becomes a connection. In Acts 8:1-25, the Gospel becomes that bridge, reaching the Samaritans and mending centuries-old rifts.
The persecution that erupted after Stephen's martyrdom scattered believers, but it also paved the way for the spread of the Gospel. Philip, venturing into Samaria, preached Christ to them. The Samaritans, a group historically despised by the Jews, were experiencing the unifying power of Jesus' message. Miracles manifested, unclean spirits fled, and joy flooded the city.
Yet, the story also presents a cautionary note. Simon the magician, witnessing the power accompanying the apostles, sought to buy it, mistaking God's gifts as commodities for purchase. Peter's rebuke was swift, reminding us that the Gospel's bridge cannot be bought or controlled; it's a gift of grace.
This passage offers us two profound insights. Firstly, the Gospel knows no boundaries. No rift is too vast, no division too deep that the love of Christ cannot bridge it. Secondly, the gifts of the Spirit aren't to be commodified but received with humility and gratitude.
Today, as we share the Gospel, let's remember its bridging power. And in our walk with God, may we approach His gifts with a pure heart, recognizing that they are tokens of His grace, freely given, and not for sale.
Posted in Acts Devotional